Page 96 of Mark
“That’s stupid. You have nothing to do with the choices Esther makes.” He places his hand on the chair between us, and my breath hitches when he tugs me closer. “But you did have a choice about leaving me to wake up alone. Again.”
My lips twitch at the change in subject. “Puh-lease! Like you sleep the night at a hook-up’s house.”
He runs the palms of his hands up my thighs. “I told you this wasn’t a hook-up. I would have proved that this morning if you didn’t do a disappearing act.”
“Maybe next time,” I tease.
“Maybe I’ll tie you to the bed next time.”
I shake my head at his comment. “Eat your food.”
As he shovels down his breakfast, I can’t help but try to figure him out. He’s such an enigma. Each time I think I have him all figured out, he goes and surprises me.
I guess I need to take this one day at a time.
Or if I take Summer’s advice, onefuckat a time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Mark
When you’re part of a big family, you learn to be patient really quick. Whether you are waiting on someone before ordering food, or you are waiting for a sibling to wake up on Christmas Day, you have to be patient. There is always something or someone you have to wait for. And if we aren’t patient, our parents will make us wait longer.
Yet as I stand on the dock waiting for Freya, tapping my foot restlessly, I am one minute away from leaving to search for her. She said she wanted to change into her bikini since we were going to be in the sea today. That had been twenty minutes ago.
I can’t help but wonder if she’s stalling because she’s stupidly worried we will hold her responsible for what her sister did. I remember her expression falling when she heard what her sister had done. I also didn’t miss how she watched me after, expecting me to flip out on her. None of us hold her accountable. Our parents taught us better. We are responsible for our own actions, and the same with other people. Paisley is living proof of that. None of us hold it against her that she’s related to the Hayes brothers.
“Are you sure she’s coming?” Lily asks softly.
I force a smile. “She will be here.”
Jaxon’s jaw clenches as his gaze falls on something over my shoulder. I spin around, inwardly groaning when I see Esther making her way down the ramp with her husband next to her. I’m not a fan of attention seekers, and everything about Esther seeks attention. Even now as she struts down the ramp, she has that, I’m better than you, air about her.
Sensing it’s us she is going to approach, I stand closer to Lily. Esther’s gaze lowers as she bows her head. Anyone else would believe the innocent, timid act because she’s so good at it, but wewere raised to spot when a person is being fake. And everything about this girl screams fake.
She tucks her hair behind her ear, forcing a smile. “I know my parents told me to stay away, but I just have to apologise again for the accident this morning. I know you said it’s fine, but I feel so awful about it. I’m truly sorry you got hurt, and if you would let me, I would like to make it up to you.”
“Unless you have a time travelling machine, I don’t see how that is possible,” Jaxon growls.
“Easy, mate. She’s just apologising. It was an accident, but she’s still here, apologising once more because she’s a good person and she feels bad.”
Jaxon’s gaze cuts to mine. “Is he for real?”
My grimace is full of pity, and Danny notices and grits his teeth. “Sadly, yeah,” I reply.
“Please, don’t argue,” Esther pleads softly, then addresses Lily with her next words. “I’m truly sorry. I wasn’t paying enough attention. I’ve been stressed about the tension between my sister and I... I let it cloud my mind. I love her, and this drift between us is killing me. I’m just so sorry. I wasn’t being mindful. And I’m sorry you got hurt. We would love for you to join us for dinner tonight. Your husband too.”
“She cannot be serious,” Jaxon hisses.
“Jaxon,” Lily pleads, placing her hand on his chest. Her smile is warm when she turns to Esther. “There’s really no need to apologise again. But thank you, regardless. We appreciate your offer for us to join you for dinner, but sadly, we have other arrangements. Maybe another time?”
I watch as Esther relaxes into Danny. She comes across relieved, but there’s a smugness there. She reminds me of the girls who used to bully Lily at school. They’d smile to her face, even be polite in front of others, but the minute no one else waslooking, they’d tear into her. “Definitely. Thank you for hearing me out.”
“You’re welcome,” Lily softly replies. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You too,” Esther replies, then walks away with Danny.
“You’re way too kind,” I state.